Agenda item

Purpose of report

To review achievements of Portsmouth Museums in 2021/22 and to present the service priorities for the current financial year (Plan on a page, Appendix 1). 

RECOMMENDED that the Cabinet Member:

1.    Notes the achievements of 2021/22.

2.    Notes the activity to achieve museum sector and other standards being pursued.

3.    Notes that funding is being sought to establish a robust and sustainable model for the operation of Eastney Beam Engine House.  

4.    Notes the range of partners including funders contributing to museum activity.

5.    Notes that the D-Day Story is to develop the group offer, building on the investment in the museum and the arrival of Landing Craft Tank 7074.

6.    Notes the proposals for the exhibitions at Portsmouth Museum and Art Gallery, including what follows Silver City - on the themes of the seashore (opening 2023) and costume (opening 2024). 

7.    Notes the proposals for the development of the National Portfolio Organisation (NPO) Advisory Board are to be pursued and the need to improve provision for users at the museum store in support of the NPO bid.  

Jane Mee, Museums & Visitor Services Manager, introduced the report.

The purpose of the report is to review the achievements of Portsmouth Museums in 2021/22 and to present the service priorities for the current financial year.

Jane Mee noted:

• The purpose of Portsmouth Museums as set out in the report.

• The achievements over the last year;

-       The opening of the majority of council's museums in May and June.

-       Completed the Museum Strategy 2022 - 2026

-       Prepared the application for accreditation.

-       Prepared and submitted the application for National Portfolio Organisation status.

-       Continued to develop the Silver City Exhibition.

-       Giving young people the opportunity to join the museum team through the Government funded Kickstart scheme and employed 20 young people through this initiative.

-       Recruited and trained new volunteers to join the D-Day team working on the Landing Craft Tank 7074.

• The flooding of the basement at Eastney Beam Engine House despite the recent investment in this site.  The cause is under investigation.

• The plans for the year ahead;

-       To reapply for Accreditation (the national benchmark for museums in England) - expected in July 2022.

-       Renewal of the Zoo License for the Butterfly House.

-       An audit of the Historic Environment Record

-       A commitment to Welcome Host training and the VAQAS assessment.

• Investment of time and effort continues in supporting volunteers.  The service is hoping to submit an application to look at increased volunteer roles for the operation of the Eastney Beam Engine House .

• Support to the library led projects that are Arts Council funded

Jane Mee flagged the partnerships and the people the service works with:

• University of Portsmouth
• Dulverton Trust
• Headley Trust
• The HAF programme
• Freelance specialists and creatives across the city
• National Lottery Heritage Fund
• National Museum of the Royal Navy.

The plan this year is to focus on commercial activity for the D-Day story, to look at the exhibition that follows Silver City in February 2023 and to consider forward plans for subsequent exhibitions

The Chair noted the wider work across the council on the Kickstarter scheme which has resulted in a number of young people moving into permanent employment.

Officers clarified that work is being done to encourage people to take ownership of museums, including the large city museum, with activity taking place in the community, including the north of the city.  Members welcomed this.  Officers noted that the NPO work encompasses much of this.

Decision

The Cabinet Member for Culture, Leisure and Economic Development:

1.    Noted the achievements of 2021/20

2.    Noted the activity to achieve museum sector and other standards.

3.    Noted that funding is being sought to establish a robust and sustainable model for the operation of the Eastney Beam Engine House.

4.    Noted the range of partners including funders contributing to museum activity.

5.    Noted The D-Day Story group offer, building on the investment in the museum and the arrival of the Landing Craft Tank 7074.

6.    Noted the proposals for the exhibitions at Portsmouth Museum and Art Gallery, including what follows Silver City - on the themes of the seashore (opening 2023) and costume (opening 2024).

7.    Noted the proposals for the development of the National Portfolio Organisation (NPO) Advisory Board and the need to improve provision for users at the museum store in support of the NPO.